Ron's rages are sincere and — according to his wife — healthily cathartic. But can these splenetic outbursts loosen the grip of capitalism at its most monstrous?
The Royale, Barbican London
Boxing as a powerful metaphor for deep-rooted racism in the US
LIKE The Gift, currently playing at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Marco Ramirez’s play offers a thoughtful and necessary engagement with black history.
Set in the first decade of the 20th century, The Royale’s focus is US boxer Jack Johnson, the “negro” world heavyweight champion.
But while he might be the best boxer at his weight on the planet, he can’t fight for the title because the reigning heavyweight champion won’t get into the ring with a black man.
Similar stories
GEORGE FOGARTY is dazzled by a breathtakingly skillful puppet version of Shakespeare’s greatest love poem
GORDON PARSONS is blown away by a superb production of Rostand’s comedy of verbal panache and swordmanship


